Gray tries to build on return as Rockies face Astros

DENVER — Jon Gray , who made a triumphant and eye-opening return from the minors in his last start for the Colorado Rockies , will try to build upon that performance Wednesday against the Houston Astros . Two days after a June 28 start at San Francisco, where Gray threw 93 pitches in four-plus innings and allowed seven hits and five runs, the Rockies optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque. He made two rehab starts, and would’ve continued to face Pacific Coast League hitters, but the Rockies needed a fifth starter July 14 against Seattle. Gray was needed because the Rockies twice went through the rotation with four starters due to two days off and Chad Bettis was unable to pitch due to a blister on his right middle fingers. So, the Rockies turned to Gray, who limited the Mariners to five hits and one run in a season-high 7 1/3 innings with one walk and six strikeouts. It was an efficient outing for Gray, who threw 64 of 93 pitches for strikes, tried to simplify things and trying not to think about where his body was at various points in his delivery. “I didn’t think I had to do all these certain things perfect to make it work,” Gray said. “I was just throwing the ball. I tried to get away from doing everything mechanical and just started throwing the ball the way I have my whole life.” Gray (8-7, 5.44 ERA) has never faced the Astros but is anticipating… [Read full story]